Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra

**Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra (VICO)**

This genre-blurring ensemble is Canada’s pioneering large-scale orchestra dedicated to bridging musical traditions from around the globe. Founded in 2001 by composer-conductor Mark Armanini and ethnomusicologist Moshe Denburg, VICO blends Western classical instruments with instruments like the Chinese erhu, Persian kamancheh, Indian tabla, and Japanese shakuhachi, creating a vibrant "cultural crossroads" sound. Known for ambitious projects like *In the Key of the World* and *What the Night Bird Told the Wanderer*, their work often explores themes of unity and storytelling through collaborative compositions.

VICO champions inclusivity, commissioning works from diverse composers and collaborating with artists across disciplines. Their performances, including the evocative *Mystics & Lovers* project, feel like immersive journeys that celebrate shared humanity. Based in Vancouver, they’ve become a beacon for intercultural dialogue, proving that music truly has no borders.

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